Finally a Diagnosis for Sophie

[Valarie]

Got a fecal sample today and I cannot believe it!!!!!!  Sophie has hookworms and whipworms.  I am in shock.  That is why she has been so sick!!!  Sophie got a full work up at my mother in laws vet when we first brought her home and she recommended the topical preventative Advantage Multi which says that it takes care of fleas, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.  We have used it exactly as directed.  When we took her back in to our vet today with the fecal sample - he said that he has not found the Advantage Multi to be effective for prevention of these types of worms. What????    Sophie is spending the night at the vet's to get fluids as she is mildly dehydrated.  It was terribly difficult to leave her there but we knew it was for the best because we have really struggled to get her to drink.

 

Does anyone else use this preventative?  I found very little negative info on the web about it.

 

I thought we were doing every thing we could to protect her. 

 

 

 

[Donna K & Quincy]

Hi Valarie, We can only go on the advice we get from the professionals and believe that they know what is best. So glad that Sophie is going to be ok. I know you will miss her tonight and be thinking about her, but it sounds like she is in good hands. So get some sleep, better days ahead.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Valarie - Just glad it is not anything more serious. Hope she gets better quickly.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm just so relieved that it isn't something more serious. Our new puppy had hookworms, and it was easily treatable. He was on the meds for two weeks, and he has now tested clear. I have no experience with the Advantage Multi. I'm using the combination of Frontline and Interceptor.

[Kathy Spyker]

I'm so glad it's something that can be fixed.She will be feeling a little better tomorrow with just having fluids in her.. Lilly is on Frontline and Interceptor so I don't know anything about Advantage.

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

So glad that it's not worse - Sophie will be running around in no time. Good news!

[Dee O'Neill]

Hi Valarie. I don't have any experience with Hookworms. However, I do have it with Whipworms. My Gracie had it when we brought her home from the breeder. We now have her on Interceptor (it also controls adult Hookworm infections). It has worked like a charm. You need to understand that your Sophie will need to pass the worms in her system before they are gone. It takes awhile, Also, Whipworms can remain in your soil for up to 5 years. So any dog that would come into your yard can get them unless they are protected by a worm medicine that specifically state it is for Whipworm. Oh, and we didn't get rid of any of her toys like some of the web sites suggest. Our vet said it was no big deal. I don't know why Vets don't inform ppl of Whip[worm and how easy it is to contract it. If you take your dog to the dog park or a simple walk around your block and your dog walks on the grass, where an infected dog has eliminated previously, then comes home and licks their paws, they can contract it.My dog will always be on Interceptor. I can only imagine how scared you are but hang in there. I hope your Sophie will be ok. ((hugs))
~Dee

[Frannie & Callie]

Wilbur Foster Doodle had whipworms when I brought him home. The vet gave him interceptor and packets of powdered medicine to mix in his food - three day treatment immediately, then 3 more doses after three weeks, then the last three doses after 3 months. The worms and eggs have life cycles (as my vet explained to me) so this treatment prevents recurring outbreaks.

[Dee O'Neill]

You are correct Frannie. Thank you for posting that information as I forgot! :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so glad you got an answer and it's something easily treated!

[Valarie]

I have already thrown away all her toys and bowls. I have bleached and cleaned everything possible probably more for my peace of mind than anything. Do I need to keep her from going into the back yard where she has been eliminating and if so for how long?? Should I wash or trash her bed? Should I throw away her brushes? I am sort of freaking out like when my friends little boy came home from camp with lice. I am sure her doctor will advise me about medication recommendations tomorrow when I pick her up.

[shelly]

Valarie ~ I'm so sorry! I know how you feel....I can also definitely relate to the "lice thing" too... I am a bit of a germ freak... nah... A BIG GERM FREAK! Thank God you caught it. Hang in there.... what do you do with your own grass where she already went poopy?????

[Dee O'Neill]

No, don't throw away her brushes. Really, it's a waste to throw everything away. You can't throw away your backyard, right? She is going to come in contact eventually with them in the backyard, on a walk, at the dog park, etc. If she continues to be on Interceptor she will not have problems with the worms. I know how you feel, I freaked out too. No one I knew had ever dealt with them before so I had to count on my Vet and the internet. Relax, it's not as bad as it seems. While they have them it's more of a concern. After, it's just prevention (Interceptor every month, forever.) of contracting them you should worry about. Seriously....it will be fine. I've been there and done that. Not a problem since. Hang in there. :)